| Organization information | |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence |
| Please tell us the amount of funding you are requesting Aware to raise for your organization from the Aware annual fundraising event. | Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is requesting $10,000 to support our emergency intervention services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. |
| If your organization received Aware funding in the previous years, how many clients were serviced and/or how many services were provided with those funds. If you receive Aware funding this current year, how many clients will be serviced and/or how many services will be provided with these funds? | Resilience did not receive an award in the fiscal year 2023 or 2024, but we would like to share these statistics. In FY2024, Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence responded to 2,278 calls for assistance on our 24 hour helpline; we provided face-to-face crisis intervention, advocacy and emotional support to 335 emergency walk-in clients; safe shelter as well as meals, advocacy and emotional support were provided to 46 adults and their 51 children; our team of specially trained, on-call nurses provided 62 confidential and discreet forensic exams where evidence was carefully collected and stored. Nurses worked closely with local law enforcement and testified in court for sexual assault cases when needed. We anticipate responding to more than 2,500 requests for assistance through these programs in the upcoming year. |
| Please provide a listing of the Officers and Board members of your organization. | Ortencia Bos, President |
| Your Contact Information | Teresa Schraudt |
| Phone | 616-494-1752 |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Scoring Criteria | |
| 1. Description of the Organization (maximum 5 points, please limit to ½ pages) | For nearly 50 years, Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence has been the community leader in providing pathways to safety and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Allegan and Ottawa Counties. From offering refuge in our emergency shelter to families escaping violence at home to conducting vital medical exams and forensic procedures for survivors of sexual assault, our team works tirelessly, 24/7, providing essential lifesaving support with utmost confidentiality and at no cost to survivors. |
| 2. Funding Request (maximum 35 points, total, please limit to 1 page) | Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence is reaching out to our allies at West Shore Aware to join us in our mission to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. With your generous assistance, we aim to secure $10,000 to bolster our emergency intervention services. These services include our 24-hour help line, emergency safe shelter, sexual assault forensic nurse exams, and emergency walk-in services. There is a lifeline available in the darkest hours of the night – a 24-hour helpline offering understanding, options and unwavering support, staffed by individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ survivors. The sanctuary of our emergency safe shelter helps individuals find refuge from the shadows of abuse, free from judgment or discrimination. Sexual assault forensic nurses are compassionate and affirm the identities and experiences of every survivor they encounter. This is the heart of Resilience: trauma-informed, survivor-centered, empowerment-based, and inclusive services to all survivors of sexual and domestic violence. A transgender woman sought our services for a recent sexual assault that she experienced. Due to the nature of her injuries, she requested a SANE exam at a hospital in our service area. Our nurse and advocate team provided off-site support to her, communicated with staff, and ensured that her identity was honored throughout the entire SANE exam. Our nurses are SANE-A certified trainers and have special training to understand hormone levels and considerations for the SANE exam to best meet the patient’s needs. Resilience staff know that LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately impacted by domestic and sexual violence and encounter additional barriers when seeking support. At Resilience, we proudly stand as allies and advocates, committed to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. Our approach is rooted in empowerment and compassion, guided by the understanding that every survivor’s journey is unique and deserving of respect. Our work is ongoing, our dedication unwavering. With your support, we can continue to build a future where every individual can live authentically, proudly and without fear of violence. |
| 3. Funding Justification (maximum 40 points, please limit to 1 page) | Resilience’s services are funded as follows: Domestic and sexual violence programs in the state of Michigan who receive funds from government grants are at risk of facing substantial cuts to both statewide and federal funds. The revenue for the Victims of Crime Act is generated without relying on taxpayer dollars and is instead supported by: federal criminal fees and penalties, forfeited bail bonds, asset forfeitures and special assessment on convicted individuals. The fund is managed by the Office for Victims of Crime and does not rely on annual appropriations from Congress and therefore fluctuates based on federal criminal case outcomes and enforcement levels. These funds have dwindled significantly since the first Trump administration. In 2021, the VOCA Fix Act allowed deposits into this fund from deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements, boosting revenue. However, these funds take time to accumulate, and enforcement levels still impact the balance. Michigan’s Department of Victim Services, who allocates these funds to our program and similar crime victim services, has indicated that we should expect a 60% cut in federal funds this October. We and our sister agencies throughout the state are advocating with the state legislators to increase the state’s line item to supplement this loss. A $10,000 grant award from West Shore Aware would represent 1% of our overall emergency intervention services revenue budget. Our Advancement Team actively pursues various fundraising initiatives, including community outreach events, corporate partnerships, and individual donor campaigns, to bridge the gap and ensure the continuity of our vital programs. West Shore Aware’s contributions make a lasting impact and are crucial in supporting our ongoing efforts. The need for emergency intervention services remains constant and funds will be used effectively to address our community's ongoing needs. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of West Shore Aware and all our donors, whose generosity enables us to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve. |
| 4. Summary | At Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, our mission is to respond to, reduce and prevent domestic and sexual violence. Our high-quality, free, confidential services are empowerment-based, trauma-informed and survivor-centered. We create safe spaces where all survivors can find solace and safety. We understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ survivors and we’re committed to breaking down barriers and providing affirming care every step of the way. While we are grateful for government grants, they alone do not cover the full cost of our vital programs. State and federal revenues are both at risk. Resilience and our allied organizations are participating in legislative advocacy to try to prevent these cuts, but the generosity of local groups will be essential to continue this work. We are respectfully requesting $10,000 to support our emergency shelter, 24-hour helpline, sexual assault forensic exam program, and emergency walk-in services. With your support we can continue to provide inclusive and affirming assistance to survivors in need and create a safer, more supportive community for all. |
| Application Agreement | This is an application, otherwise known as a Request for Funding (RFF), from
West Shore Aware. This RFF is a request from your organization to Aware, for Aware to host a
Fundraising Event for your organization. By completing this RFF, your organization is requesting to be considered by Aware’s membership for an Aware fundraising event to be held during the summer of this year, also known as the White Party.
If your organization is chosen for a fundraising event by the Aware membership, your organization will agree to the following terms and conditions for the said fundraising event. 1. Aware will be given and provided full credit for the fundraising event in all of you organization’s publicity and advertising for said event, to include but not limited to event posters, newspaper advertising, handouts, radio and television advertising for the event, and organizational announcements concerning the event. 2. Your organization will only use the funds raised by Aware from said event for the purpose described in the RFF submitted to Aware. 3. Your organization understands that West Shore Aware is a philanthropic organization of LBGTQ+ individuals and their supporters, and that the funds your organization receives from Aware will be coming from the West Michigan lakeshore community. 4. The funds received from Aware as a result of the fundraising event will be net, after expenses for said fundraising event are paid. 5. Aware may use the name of your organization in its own advertising and publicity as a recipient of funds.. 6. Your organization will supply Aware with written approval to hold, or be part of a fundraising event held by Aware. 7. West Shore Aware reserves the right to audit any organization that receives funding to determine whether the funds were used as described in its RFF. 8. Your organization will allow West Shore Aware to use you organization’s name on the West Shore Aware website. In addition, if your organization has a website, you will link that website to the West Shore Aware website and allow West Shore Aware to link to your organization’s site. West Shore Aware’s web site link must remain on your web site for a full year from the date of the monetary disbursement. Failure to do so will disqualify you from requesting future funding. Once you have completed the RFF and agreed to the aforementioned, please submit it. Please sign this document below, indicating acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions. By signing the document, you acknowledge your organization is a registered 501(C) 3 Charitable organization. |
| Signature | |
| Date | 03/07/2025 |
| Ready to Submit |
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